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Cleaning the Nozzle

A clogged nozzle can bring a print to a complete halt. Cleaning can be done externally or internally, depending on the severity of the problem.

Severe Burn Hazard

All internal nozzle cleaning must be done with the nozzle preheated to the temperature of the material that caused the clog. Be extremely careful not to burn yourself.

External Cleaning

Over time, burnt plastic can accumulate on the outside of the nozzle.

  • Procedure: While the nozzle is hot, use a wire or brass brush to carefully scrub the outside of the nozzle, removing all the old plastic residue.

Internal Cleaning - Partial Clog

Symptom: Filament comes out of the nozzle, but it's very thin, inconsistent, or curls up immediately.

  1. Heat the Nozzle: Preheat the nozzle to the normal printing temperature of the last material used (e.g., 215°C for PLA).
  2. Use the Cleaning Needle: Carefully insert the thin cleaning needle (usually 0.35mm or 0.4mm) into the tip of the nozzle from below. Push it in about 1-2 cm and then pull it out.
  3. Extrude: Try to extrude a small amount of filament.
  4. Repeat: Repeat the process of inserting the needle and extruding a few times until the filament begins to flow out smoothly, straight, and consistently.

Internal Cleaning - Full Clog

Symptom: The printer is trying to extrude, but absolutely no filament is coming out of the nozzle.

  1. Heat the Nozzle Hotter: Preheat the nozzle to a higher-than-normal temperature (e.g., 250°C for a PLA clog). Let it sit at this temperature for about 5 minutes.
  2. Try to Push Through: Attempt to load the filament again to see if the higher temperature helps melt and push the clog out.
  3. Use the Needle: If that doesn't work, use the cleaning needle as described in the partial clog method. The higher temperature may make it easier to break through the obstruction.

Note

If none of these methods work, the next step may be a "Cold Pull" (or "Atomic Pull") technique, or, as a last resort, replacing the nozzle.